Gordon Hicks Awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal
We are excited to share that Gordon Hicks C.M., the CEO of BGIS, has been recognized with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This honor acknowledges his long-term commitment to advocating for youth mental health and his significant contributions to Kids Help Phone and mental wellness initiatives across the country.
The Significance of the Coronation Medal
The Coronation Medal commemorates the remarkable occasion of His Majesty King Charles III's ascension to the throne. Administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall, this medal is awarded to exemplary Canadians whose contributions have significantly impacted their communities or the nation as a whole.
A Personal Journey Towards Advocacy
Gordon's journey into youth mental health advocacy began tragically in 2014, with the loss of his beloved son Cameron due to a traffic accident at the young age of 19. Cameron had faced challenges with anxiety for many years, and to honor his memory, the Hicks family founded the Cam's Kids Foundation. The foundation aims to perpetuate Cameron’s legacy of kindness and to support young individuals grappling with similar challenges.
Impact of Cam's Kids Foundation
Over eight years, Cam's Kids Foundation has had a profound impact, reaching hundreds of thousands of Canadian youth through its network of over 2,000 volunteers known as Ambassadors. This peer-to-peer support system has provided much-needed guidance to those feeling overwhelmed by life's difficulties. In 2019, the foundation partnered with Kids Help Phone, enhancing its efforts to connect youth with vital counseling services. By 2023, Cam's Kids successfully merged its operations with Kids Help Phone, further solidifying its commitment to mental health advocacy.
Commitment to Mental Health in Workplace
Gordon Hicks believes that mental wellness should not only be a priority for youth but also within the organizations we lead. Under his leadership, BGIS has made mental health a foundational aspect of its corporate culture. Through their initiatives, they aim to create a work environment that prioritizes employee well-being.
The Vision of BGIS
"At BGIS, we are striving to be the Healthiest Company in the World," Gordon asserts. A major part of this vision involves implementing mental health programs and establishing a global network of trained Mental Health Leaders. This initiative ensures that leaders can recognize signs of distress among employees and guide them towards the appropriate support and resources.
Innovative Healthier Workspaces
BGIS is at the forefront of transforming the Real Estate sector by promoting healthier indoor environments through its Blue Zone Buildings™ program. This initiative not only enhances wellness in communities but also aims to foster sustainable, productive, and economically viable surroundings for future generations.
About BGIS
BGIS, a portfolio company of CCMP Capital Advisors, L.P., has established itself as a leader in integrated facility management services globally. With a team of over 12,000 dedicated employees, BGIS focuses on delivering innovative service solutions that add value for its clients. The company manages more than 50,000 facilities across diverse sectors such as government, education, telecommunications, healthcare, and more, encompassing over 600 million square feet of space. BGIS is particularly recognized for its expertise in managing critical environments like data centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the King Charles III Coronation Medal?
This medal honors exceptional Canadians whose contributions have positively impacted the community or the country.
How did Gordon Hicks become involved in mental health advocacy?
His involvement stems from the tragic loss of his son Cameron, who faced mental health challenges. To honor Cameron's memory, he founded Cam's Kids Foundation.
What is the Cam's Kids Foundation?
A foundation established by the Hicks family to support youth struggling with mental health issues and honor Cameron's legacy.
What initiatives does BGIS have concerning employee wellness?
BGIS emphasizes mental health by developing programs and a network of Mental Health Leaders to support their employees.
How many facilities does BGIS manage?
BGIS manages over 50,000 facilities, totaling more than 600 million square feet, across various sectors worldwide.
